Our Great Protection

When you’re in the midst of a battle, Satan will send accusations at you. He’ll remind you of every past sin, every dark moment, every foolish thing you ever did. It is no wonder Paul calls such accusations fiery darts or “flaming arrows” (see Ephesians 6:16). The translation is “enflamed rage.” Many saints know the pain of mean and hurtful words coming at them from those around them. Such thoughtless accusations are truly flaming arrows of enflamed rage.

At times you may think you are the only one under such severe attack. In such times you feel alone, isolated in your suffering. Even those who care for you most deeply cannot seem to understand all you are going through.

The apostle Peter reminds us: “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12–13).

Finally, Paul instructs: “Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench [extinguish] all the fiery darts of the wicked one” (Ephesians 6:16).

What exactly is the shield of faith? It is an impenetrable armor built from the promises of God and burnished with our faith. This shield is our great protection against every devilish, hurting word spoken against us. To hold it up against the enemy’s onslaught is to extinguish every voice of fear and unbelief. It is a defense that states with confidence, “Devil, I am not ignorant of your devices. Nothing — not blinding pain, not shaky finances, not world chaos — can separate me from the love of God.”